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Cowboys owner Jerry Jones big on rewarding loyalty

Dallas is the most valuable sports franchise in the world, but what also distinguishes the Cowboys is how Jerry Jones goes above and beyond to support his players.

The Dallas Cowboys' inability to win a Super Bowl in the last two decades has not made owner Jerry Jones any less popular among fans. Jones, by all accounts, treats the Cowboys like a family business, offering support to players with personal problems. (Michael Owen Baker / The Associated Press)

By Brandon GeorgeThe Dallas Morning News

Tues., Aug. 1, 2017

Jerry Jones arrived at The Star, the headquarters of the Dallas Cowboys, in his multimillion-dollar helicopter during off-season practices last month.

It was the look that accompanies a billionaire who owns the world’s most valuable sports franchise. But Jones isn’t your typical billionaire. He rubs elbows with just about anyone and always finds a way to relate.

In the first few minutes after he landed, Jones made the day of a Make-A-Wish kid, talking to him and his parents, offering hugs and handshakes and posing for pictures. Jones then stopped to joke with the media and share a laugh with former Cowboys scouting director Larry Lacewell, who was in Frisco, Texas, to watch practice while still recovering from a severe stroke he suffered in September.

Jones then hit the sideline, bringing over Orlando Scandrick for an extended face-to-face chat that included the owner grabbing the cornerback by his shoulders and pulling him close.

The Cowboys are a family business for Jones, but that goes well beyond his three children who hold executive positions.

Jones is well-known for his strong bond with players. He’s often given players second — and sometimes third —chances after they’ve failed a drug test or been arrested.

Jones, an eternal optimist, has a hard time turning his back on anyone who has been loyal to him. It’s why many players look at him more like a father figure than a boss.

A glance around Cowboys team headquarters during the final week of practices in June revealed Jones’ loyalty. Former players Nate Newton, Josh Brent and Miles Austin helped the Cowboys in some capacity. Jones even made one of his former players, Jason Garrett, the head coach.

Newton, a guard who won three Super Bowls with the Cowboys in the 1990s, ran into trouble after his playing days. He was released from a Louisiana prison in 2004 after serving about 2 ½ years for drug possession. In November 2001, the six-time Pro Bowler was arrested in Louisiana after he was found to have 213 pounds of marijuana during a traffic stop of Newton’s white van. While out on bond six weeks later, Newton was again stopped in Texas and was arrested after a search of his vehicle revealed he possessed 175 pounds of marijuana in the trunk of his car.

“Brother, by him letting me be around, the Cowboys opened other doors for me, given me a chance to talk to people and be a part of other things,” Newton said. “He ain’t never turned his back on me. He’s always had a few kind words for me. There ain’t no doubt in my mind where I stand when it comes to Mr. Jones.

“Jerry always has a few minutes for you. If you want a relationship, you can get one with Jerry. Sometimes players take it overboard with Mr. Jones because he really shows us much love. Sometimes they take advantage of that relationship. But I’ve found out that guys who are really respectful and loyal to him and keep their nose right — try to keep halfway right — Jerry, there ain’t no better man.”

Former Cowboys defensive tackle Josh Brent has realized that as well.

Brent was held responsible for the death of Cowboys practice squad linebacker Jerry Brown Jr. in December 2012. Brent’s blood-alcohol level was found to be more than twice the legal limit after he crashed his Mercedes in Irving, Texas. Brown, a passenger in the car, died when the car hit a curb and spun out of control.

Brent spent five months in jail for an intoxication manslaughter charge.

Upon Brent’s release, Jones continued to support him. He helped him get a job at a local warehouse driving a forklift.

And in November 2014, Jones gave Brent a chance to revive his NFL career, signing him to a one-year contract despite the fact he hadn’t played in two years.

Brent never could regain his form and retired for a second time in May 2015. But he’s still around the team every day as an intern, helping with coaching and scouting.

And then there’s Adam (Pacman) Jones. The Cowboys traded for Jones after he had been suspended for the entire 2007 season because of multiple incidents. Then while with the Cowboys, and after he had been given a second chance by Jerry Jones, he got into an alcohol-related scuffle with one of his team-appointed bodyguards during a private party at a Dallas hotel.

Even then, Jones continued to support Pacman, and he still does.

In October, Pacman, now a cornerback for Cincinnati, interrupted Jones’ sideline interview before the game against the Cowboys.

“Well,” the Dallas owner said, “one of my favourites and one of the guys I’m proudest of.”

Added Pacman: “I didn’t understand what he was telling me when I was here, but I sure understand the big picture afterwards. So, I’m just thankful for everything he did for me.”

Early in Dez Bryant’s career, Jones managed the receiver’s finances. He made sure Bryant didn’t continue on a path of financial ruin that he had put himself on by his expensive jewelry purchases.

Sure, Jones also believes in a little bling himself but he didn’t build an empire with the Cowboys by writing cheques that wouldn’t cash.

Jones’ respect with players runs so deep that three of his Hall of Fame Cowboys — Michael Irvin, Emmitt Smith and, most recently, Larry Allen — selected him to present them during their induction ceremonies.

Tight end Jason Witten, a likely Hall of Famer, is entering his 15th season for the Cowboys. He thinks so much of Jones that, after he signed a six-year, $29-million (U.S.) extension in July 2006, he chased down the Cowboys owner as he was walking to his car just to thank him again and promise that he wouldn’t let him down.

Since then, Witten has made eight Pro Bowls.

“He sets a standard for all of us,” Witten said. “He brings it every single day. When the owner does that, and really he could be anywhere in the world, I think it trickles down to your players. Over 15 years now, what an unbelievable person. Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, when you line them up there, I think it starts with Jerry Jones. That’s just what kind of guy he is.

“He’s an unbelievable leader, and he’s got a vision and he sees people execute that plan. He’s a really neat person for us and a mentor for a guy like me for the last 15 years to be able to learn from and appreciate the opportunity he’s given me.

“I’ve seen it on numerous occasions, his ability to continue to help and support people, not just financially, but to see them get back on their way, and not just with situations off the field, but just in their personal life and anything they’ve gone through. The kind of commitment . . . really shows what his heart is all about.”

For Jones, loyalty lasts a lifetime.

Oh, by the way, he doesn’t own just a helicopter. He has a private plane as well. But he often lends his plane to a coach or player or friend who is in need.

Jones fired Wade Phillips as head coach midway through the 2010 season. But three years later, after Phillips’ father, Bum, died in October 2013, Jones flew Wade’s son Wes Phillips — then the Cowboys’ tight ends coach — and his family down to Goliad, Texas, on his private plane for Bum’s funeral.

“He paid for the meal that day so everybody could have something to eat for the funeral,” Wade Phillips said. “I’ll never forget that. He didn’t have to do that. He didn’t ask me to do that. He just did it because he’s a family guy, and that’s what people don’t see about him.”

Sure, Jones is an ultimate salesman who could charm his way out of any tight corner. But he’s a billionaire who finds a way to make anyone feel at ease.

“His relationship with me is everything,” Bryant said. “I learned a lot of stuff from Jerry, especially with my own business. A lot of my work and a lot of my mind came from him. It’s just the way he inspires people. The way he goes about his business is everything.

“If you don’t love him, by the time (you’re done meeting him) you’re going to love him. He’s got that effect on people. Jerry Jones is the greatest of all time.”

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